Here are three potential landing spots for three-time All-Pro Defensive Back, Patrick Peterson after his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers released the veteran after just one season, according to a source. Pittsburgh will save $6.5 million against their salary cap and only $2.925 million in dead money after his release. The team now has $18.4 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.
Peterson appeared in all 17 games with the Steelers last season, starting 16 of those matchups. He was on the field for 97% of the time and was a reliable asset at the secondary position at safety. The Steelers were dealing with several injuries in their secondary, so having Peterson as a veteran to help has been useful. He finished last season with 42 total tackles, 11 passes defended and two interceptions.
Peterson spent his first 10 seasons in the league with the Cardinals before playing just two seasons with the Vikings. He has 36 career interceptions and 122 passes defended. This release doesn’t come as a surprise after Peterson was expecting it. He wanted to stay with the Steelers, but he understands that it’s business first and his signing a one-year deal was for a reason.
There is some speculation now if Peterson will get a shot again with another team, as his career is continuing to wind down. Entering his 14th season, he will be on the hunt again for a new team, and plenty of teams that would probably want his services. Since joining the NFL, he recorded 652 tackles, 408 yards after picks and 12 fumble recoveries. Here are three potential landing spots for Defensive Back, Patrick Peterson to begin the new league year.
Steelers are releasing eight-time Pro-Bowl CB Patrick Peterson, per sources. pic.twitter.com/z1BYPzaUXy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2024
Three Potential Landing Spots for Three-Time All-Pro Defensive Back Patrick Peterson
Dallas Cowboys
Patrick Peterson has always envisioned playing for America’s team and now this vision could come to life. Peterson still has plenty of gas left in the tank after ranking fifth in the NFL in 2022 along with 66 total tackles. He could be a reliable veteran after they’re not expecting to bring back Stephon Gilmore for another year. However, bringing in Peterson to teach DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs to help complement them in the secondary backfield.
Diggs has always admired Peterson and he says he wears No. 7 because of him. While Bland performed well with five interceptions and seven passes defended, Peterson could help him remain consistent. Bland is maturing into a potential cornerback threat, but there are still some inconsistencies that the team is cleaning up. Along with fellow corners Kelvin Joseph and Nashon Wright, the Cowboys could benefit from a high-performing veteran.
The Cowboys recently restructured Guard Zack Martin’s contract putting the team under the salary cap. They are saving $13 million in cap space, so they could be preparing to finally go “all in” in the market next week. If Peterson still has the same desire to play for the Cowboys, then it could be a smooth transition for his 14th season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Adding Peterson probably wouldn’t solve all the issues with the Chargers secondary, he could provide relief to make consistent plays on the field. Los Angeles had one of the worst defenses last year and his veteran presence could provide the leadership and discipline he could teach the young guys. Peterson helped develop Steelers Cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. during his time and he could replicate the same success under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens had one of the most complete defenses last season, shedding an illustrious amount of success. However, Safety Geno Stone is set to hit the market next week, but they still have a crowded room full of safeties. The only implication is finding a reliable corner opposite of Marlon Humphrey. The Ravens either need a big-name free-agent addition or use their picks in the NFL Draft for a corner.
Adding Peterson would not only add veteran presence, but it would keep the defense intact to continue making plays.
